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- Source Your Seeds: Obtain raw, unsalted pistachios, which are suitable for germination.
- Test Seed Viability: Soak the pistachios in water for 24 hours; use only those that sink to the bottom.
- Stratify the Seeds: Place the viable seeds in a plastic bag with moist sand and refrigerate for about 8 weeks to simulate winter.
- Plant the Seeds: Sow the stratified seeds about an inch deep in a well-draining seed starting mix, and keep them in a warm, sunny location.
- Germination: Maintain consistent soil moisture until germination occurs, which can take several weeks to months.
- Transplanting: Once seedlings are a few inches tall and have several sets of leaves, transplant them to larger pots or outdoors if suitable.
- Care and Maintenance: Provide full sun and water deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil has good drainage.
- Patience is Key: Remember, pistachio trees take 7-10 years to mature and start producing fruit, requiring both male and female trees for pollination.